Applying for Social Security Number

[JLP9576 0]

Hello,

My SO arrived on a K-1 visa. We were recently married and went to apply for his social security number. We brought everything along including the I-94, passport w/ visa, etc. A lady told us at first that he couldn't apply because he didn't have work authorization and then I after I inquired further she went talk to someone else and came back and stated since he was here on a K1 visa we had to wait until his status is adjusted. Is this the case? I thought we could wait until a couple weeks after he arrived to apply for the social security number. Is there something else that I need to bring or tell them in order for them to process the application? Thanks for your help.

[Gage 2]

Sorry, they are wrong. You're going to run in to this problem at times during the process because there are a lot of "worker bees" in these federal agencies who don't even know their own rules. Try asking to speak to a supervisor or, if you have to, go to a different social security office. All we needed to get my wife's social security card was her I-94 and passport. We had it within 7 days.

[Krikit 1,164]

Moving from AOS to Working & Traveling.... where the SSN section is. You'll find many references to this same problem over there, JLP, along with what to do about it. As long as the beneficiary is within 76 days of entry they are entitled to a SSN. Any longer and they will have to wait until they receive either the EAD or the greencard.

[Stephen + Elisha 92]

It often helps to print and bring this with you to the Social Security office: http://policy.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/links/0100203500

This is the section from the Social Security Program Operations Manual System (POMS) that lays out the fact that K1s are eligible for Social Security Numbers.

[I'm Gone 60]

Which SSA office was this?